Pedro Neto in awe of teammate Andrey Santos after ‘unbelievable’ performance in Chelsea win vs Burnley | OneFootball

Chelsea sealed a comprehensive 2-0 win over Burnley away from home to climb to second on the Premier League table.

The Blues delivered a clinical showing ahead of a crucial week, with the goals coming from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez.

However, Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos received the Man of the Match award after a terrific showing in the middle of the park.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca chose to rest Moises Caicedo, and Santos stepped up to the plate with a fantastic performance.

Santos recorded 63 touches, won seven duels, made four interceptions, and won possession four times (Squawka).

He also made four clearances, three tackles, won two fouls, and created a chance.

The Brazilian was deployed in his favoured holding midfield position and looked superb, cutting out danger and protecting the back four.

Chelsea did not miss Caicedo against Burnley, and that says a lot about the shift that he put in at Turf Moor.

Pedro Neto pointed out that Santos was ‘unbelievable’, helping the Blues make a statement as they prepare to take on Barcelona and then Arsenal this week.

Expect Santos to play an even more important role in the squad, with Romeo Lavia set to be sidelined for a month and Dario Essugo yet to return after undergoing surgery.

Santos can stake his claim for his place in the Chelsea double pivot behind Caicedo and Fernandez.

However, it is worth noting that Santos has looked better when told to sit and anchor midfield proceedings.

While Maresca has often described Santos as a more attacking midfielder, he clearly excels in his natural holding role, and the manager should play him there more.

Santos continues to prove that he can be relied upon.

He will appreciate these opportunities to prove his mettle and possibly earn a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup roster.